The Caley Sample Room

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The 2011/12 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2011) edition.

Proximity to Tynecastle and Murrayfield stadiums has long made this bar a busy watering den but recent years have seen a more serious food offering emerge, making this a very worthwhile venue all week and not just on match days. The bare brick wall and blackboards comply with approved gastropub form but this former 1940s petrol station works very well in its modern incarnation – large enough to accommodate the crowds but not so vast as to feel cavernous on quiet nights. A selection of deli board platters featuring good quality staples such as smoked salmon, potato salad and pickles can serve as either nibbles, a shared starter or a decent meal in their own right. Other dishes follow a common gastropub formula (fish and chips, pork belly, sausage and mash) but less commonly feature decent ingredients, proper seasoning, confident execution and generous portions. Finally six cask ales, a selection of interesting bottled beers and a longer than average wine list help complete what is a highly commendable local pub.

• High point: Simple things done very well
• Low point: Likely to be mobbed on match days